All Forum Posts by: Cheryl Daniels

@Mary M. Yes, I am looking for one in the area.  Life is too short. A better tenant is out there. Thanks.

@Bob B.

I feel some apprehension as I live near the property. But I am not tolerating this situation. Im rewriting the lease agreement as it is month to month. Thanks!

@Lu Bien-Aimé

I do not. However, I am working on a stipulation that would address this concern asap. I am looking for fire code violation reference numbers to include in letter to tenant. Additionally, with regards to his concern about theft, I had not required renter's insurance. Now I must. 

Having locks without written permission as stated in the current lease is a violation. I will give him 24 to 72 hours to remove locks and to address concern, suggest he purchase the insurance. 

@Cheryl Daniels Your tenant's "property" (which is likely personal items) are in your legal property. It seems your tenant missed that point. Sounds like a difficult tenant, so I'm curious to know if you have any existing stipulation that could effect the situation in a timely manner. I have seen lanlords provide tenants with documentation to sign addressing outlier issues directly that were not included in the original lease. Therefore, failure to comply within the said time period can/will result in the cancellation of the lease hence initiating the eviction process.

I do not. However, I am working on a stipulation that would address this concern asap. I am looking for fire code violation reference numbers to include in letter to tenant. Additionally, with regards to his concern about theft, I had not required renter's insurance. Now I must. 

Having locks without written permission as stated in the current lease is a violation. I will give him 24 to 72 hours to remove locks and to address concern, suggest he purchase the insurance. 

@Mike Reynolds I appreciate you sharing. I having been searching online for hours to find the specific code to put in letter to tenant. If not compliance, he will have to vacate as it is a month to month lease. thanks.

@Bryan O.

Thank you. Excellent suggestions.

This is so helpful as I was going to just send a letter:

Also, don't just "send a letter" to tell them to fix it. Give them the appropriate cure or quit notice for your state. This is the beginning step to evicting if they do not comply. Don't waste time on a notice that means nothing so that you can then send the correct notice.

Thanks!

@Sam Leon Good questions! The plumber was recommended by the tenant. The contractor, I've known personally for years. I do give them the key to the contractor to enter the unit and he returns it upon completion. I do have ADT camera monitoring for the front porch to monitor visitors to the home. Not sure if that would offer any support for theft. However, the tenant's concerns are valid. I know that I will have to take a day off from work with a person that I don't know well.

I considered hiring a property manager but I am unable to afford the services at this time. So at this point, I'll monitor and work to build a team I could rely on and trust. Thank you!

@Michael LongWow. I need to pay closer attention and get this situation taken care of asap. 

The incident started with contractor  removing and installing bathroom tile due to leakage to unit below. The work was done over several days. 

The tenants has been in the building long before I came along. So the unit needs repairs and updates. He is reluctant to these changes unless he or contractors he knows can do the work. I went up there with a plumber. He was aware that the plumber and I would be in the unit. He was there when we arrived. I noticed padlocks on living room, bedroom and bathroom doors. At that point, I did not bring it to his attention.

However, later I called him for a meeting as he complained to the contractor being in the unit. I addressed the concern of the padlock. He reason was that, I don't want anyone in my personal spaces when you or I are not here to supervise the work. He refused to remove them.

I cannot supervise all work as I'm employed full time and this is a one person operation at this time.

Question for a future situation: What can I do to when having contractors, handyman, etc in without supervision, and make sure tenant's personal property is protected? Additionally, those padlocks are coming off, what do I replace them with?

@Oralee Holloway Thank you! I am checking our state requirements for entry to submit in written form to tenants.

@Ned J.I will cut my losses. This is disturbing.

@Wayne BrooksSomething is really off.

@Joe SplitrockHe didn't.  But, this isn't worth putting others in harms way.

@Alvin SylvainThat's what Im doing on my day off. 

@Matt GreerThanks.

@Bob B.I no longer feel comfortable. I'm writing a letter to remove locks and sending it via certified mail as well as putting it in his mailbox. Thanks!

Thanks all. This situation is my first and admittedly I was very uncomfortable during the conversation. However, safety is of primary concern!